9f1f8fb8-de83-444f-b643-9946b019c622 eng dataset Digital and Data Solutions, JNCC data@jncc.gov.uk pointOfContact 2025-08-13 Distributions of wintering red-throated diver, little gull, and common scoter in the Greater Wash 2025 2025 9f1f8fb8-de83-444f-b643-9946b019c622 This dataset provides distribution data (Kernel Density Estimates) for waterbirds in the Greater Wash area. The methods used to generate these shapefiles can be found in JNCC Report 574. The European Council (EC) Directive on the conservation of wild birds, commonly known as the 'Birds Directive' (Directive 2009/147/EC), requires Member States to classify the “most suitable territories” in number and size as Special Protection Areas (SPAs) for species listed on Annex I of the Directive and regularly occurring migratory species. The UK SPA selection guidelines for the identification of SPAs advise that sites should be identified in two stages (Stroud et al 2001). While Stage 1 identifies areas that are likely to qualify for SPA status, Stage 2 further considers these areas to select the most suitable areas in number and size for SPA classification. In order to help identify inshore areas that might be suitable for SPA classification for waterbirds (mostly divers, grebes, and seaduck), 45 areas of search (AoS) were selected where potentially important numbers of these birds congregate outside the breeding season. The Greater Wash was one these areas of search, as the existing literature indicated that large numbers of red-throated diver occurred there annually outside the breeding season. Digital and Data Solutions, JNCC data@jncc.gov.uk owner Marine Protected Areas Birds Marine Seabirds Natura 2000 Available under the Open Government Licence 3.0 otherRestrictions No limitations eng biota -0.24 2.0 52.54 54.04 2002 2008 Unknown https://jncc.gov.uk/resources/9f1f8fb8-de83-444f-b643-9946b019c622 JNCC ResourceHub Page This dataset presents distribution data for waterbirds and seabirds in the Greater Wash area of search, during the winter period October to March, based on aerial survey data collected during the period 2002 to 2008.